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Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania - by Andy Behrman
Insights into the lives of real people can be of enormous value to both bipolar readers and readers who have bipolar loved ones. These books may not be easy to read, but selected wisely, they can help you understand yourself or someone you care for.
1) Electroboy: A Memoir of Mania - by Andy Behrman
The author pulls you right into his mostly-manic life, from childhood through school and a young adulthood lived at a frantic and reckless pace that landed him finally in court and in prison. His searches for help, battles with medication and experiences with electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) are rewarding reading. Not for children, however.
2) Anthology of a Crazy Lady - by Susan L. Heisler
If you are bipolar and/or borderline, you may love this book, or you may hate it; you may be angry at it, or it may contain a lot of triggers; or you may recognize yourself in parts of it. If you love someone who is mentally ill, you may learn from it. If you are any kind of therapist, you *must* read this.
3) His Bright Light: The Story of Nick Traina - by Danielle Steel
Novelist Danielle Steel writes about the short life of her bipolar son, Nick Traina, who committed suicide at the age of 19. Written with love and sparing herself no pain, the author shares his story in depth. Excellent book to help someone understand the torments of manic-depressive illness and its effect on the family.
4) Neural Misfire - by Jeff Kazmierczak
This autobiographical novel takes college freshman Kevin Mortin from the rapid onset of his first bipolar symptoms to the time he first received any effective treatment. Not for children, this book gives effective insights into both depressive and manic thoughts.
